Therapeutic efficacy of Lonchocarpus sericeus leaf extract on ethanol induced gastric ulcer

Abstract Background Senegal lilac (Lonchocarpus sericeus (Poir.)) is a medicinal plant with a long history of folkloric use in the treatment of pathological conditions, particularly gastric ulceration. Aim This study was designed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of Lonchocarpus sericeus leaf extract against experimentally induced gastric ulceration. Materials and methods Forty (40) Wistar rats were used and were assigned into five groups of eight (8) animals each with similar body weight. Gastric ulcers were induced via oral administration of ulcerogenic agents (ethanol), followed by oral treatment. Ethanol leaf extract of Lonchocarpus sericeus (ELLS) was administered at doses of 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg body weight (BWT). A standard drug group received at 20 mg/kg BWT for 28 days. At the end of the treatment period, the animals were sacrificed, and biochemical assays were conducted to evaluate excitatory, inflammatory, and anti-ulcer parameters. Excitatory assay was conducted through quantification of Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase activity, whereas inflammatory responses were rigorously assessed by measuring tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels. Anti-ulcer parameters were systematically evaluated by determining gastric pH, gastric volume, ulcer index, percentage inhibition, mucin concentration, and pepsin activity. Results Administration of ELLS significantly attenuated the damaging effects of ethanol-induced gastric injury. This was evidenced by enhanced Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase activity, improved gastric indices, and preservation of gastric mucosal integrity. Rats treated with 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg BWT of ELLS (Groups 3 and 4) showed pronounced protection, as reflected in reduced ulcer index, elevated mucin concentration, and suppression of inflammatory cytokines. These effects were comparable to those observed in the standard drug group. Conclusion The findings demonstrate that ethanol leaf extract of Lonchocarpus sericeus effectively mitigates gastric mucosal damage by reducing inflammation, inhibiting excessive pepsin activity, and restoring gastric protective factors. Thus, the extract shows strong potential as a therapeutic agent for the management of gastric ulcers.